Sunday, June 12, 2016

Weekend TTM Roundup: 06/06-06/11

Received On: 06/06/2016

My first return this week is from Padres outfielder Travis Jankowski.
Travis Jankowski was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2012 MLB Player Draft. Jankowski's more of a contact hitter with above average speed. That said he did show improved power in 2015 so perhaps there's more potential in Jankowski. In any case the speedy outfielder made it to the Padres quite quickly. Right now he's used in odd jobs such as the fourth/fifth outfielder role along with the additional pinch runner. If Jankowski continues to improve he could be a solid everyday regular who hits in the lower part of the Padres lineup. If not, he can still probably carve out a nice career as a fourth outfielder who has plus speed.
This return was the rare kind of return where I sent it directly to the MLB ballpark and a return came during the regular season. Usually TTM returns sent to MLB parks don't return until after the season ends.
Also, this was another card I pulled in Japan that I brought over. It's significant in my book.

Received On: 06/06/2016

This year I've had an increase in Rockies returns. Adding to that total is Ryan Casteel.
Ryan Casteel was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 17th round of the 2010 MLB Player Draft. He's an intriguing hitter who has power but not too much contact but overall talent evaluators seem to think he's more of a fringe prospect who's the Rockies' version of Kyle Higashioka (minor league catcher who just provides org depth). According to a buddy of mine who's a Rockies fan he hit pretty well until he reached triple-A. Now he's in a position where the logjam behind the plate means Casteel might have to move to first or wait for Tony Wolters to either regress or get injured, but the bat might not justify a move from a prime position to a less prime position. Sounds like he's got his work cut out for him.

Received On: 06/06/2016

Here's a return from Athletics backstop Iolana Akau.
Iolana Akau was drafted by the Oakland A's in the 20th round of the 2013 MLB Player Draft. Akau hails from Hawaii and he had a commitment to the University of Hawaii, one thought to be strong enough that teams figured they'd have to draft him earlier and many ended up passing on him. Eventually Akau agreed to terms with the A's and he's improve quite well since then. He's one of the best defensive catchers in the Oakland A's organization and while his hitting is still a work in progress, there's still a solid chance for him to make something of himself at the major league level.

Received On: 06/10/2016

Here's a Yankees return from Yankees backstop Eduardo Navas.
Eduardo Navas was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the New York Yankees back in 2013. There isn't a lot of info on Navas. He made it stateside just last year and so far he's been more of a backup catcher up in Charleston out of necessity (i.e. Luis Torrens' injury). Based on what little I've been able to gather about him, I kind of see him as another Kyle Higashioka. An org guy who toils in the minors to serve as a catcher when a team is short on catchers.

Received On: 06/10/2016

Kinda random for me to send a retired non-Yankee isn't it? Well, here's a return from Chuck Porter anyway.
Chuck Porter was originally drafted by the LA Angels in the 7th round of the 1976 MLB Player Draft. The right-hander spent a few seasons in the Angels org before being released in 1980. A few months afterwards he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers who called him up to the big leagues in 1981. Porter wouldn't be a fixture in the Brewers rotation until 1983 (his big league appearances before then were all in relief) when he pitched a career best 25 games. Of which 21 were starts and six were complete games. However his career ended shortly thereafter when he was released by the Brewers in 1986.

Received On: 06/11/2016

Vintage Dodger return from Mr. Claude Osteen!
Claude Osteen was signed by the Cincinnati Redlings back in 1957 before there was a draft. Osteen went on to enjoy a 18-year MLB career, mostly with NL teams like the Reds and Dodgers but also played for the Washington Senators too. Osteen was a three time All Star and even won a World Series ring with the Los Angeles Dodgers back in 1965. In a world where pitchers barely throw 200 innings anymore, it's amazing to see just how many innings Osteen threw per year (250-260 per). 70's people, was this a lot even back in the 70's? (I'm assuming 70's folk cared about innings pitched back then lol).

Received On: 06/11/2016

My last return this week came from Austin Riley.
Austin Riley was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the Competitive Balance Round-A (basically the back end of the first round) in the 2015 MLB Player Draft. Riley is one of the many reasons why the Braves farm system is so top notch. Riley was a two way player coming into last year's draft who could've been drafted as either a pitcher or a position player. The Braves ultimately turned him into a third baseman with him focusing on gaining power and consistency. The Braves were rewarded with a really good pro debut from Riley last year. Hitting 12 home runs in 60 games. He projects to be able to stay at third base long term with enough range and physical strength, but he could be moved elsewhere. He's currently the sixth best third base prospect in the minors and one of the top 10 Braves prospects on MLB.com and Fangraphs. Braves fans who're missing Chipper might want to keep an eye on Riley.

So those were my returns this week. Big thanks to Mr. Jankowski, Casteel, Akau, Navas, Porter, Osteen and Riley for the awesome autographs.